Last year, Kawasaki finished in second place at the iconic Japanese endurance – with Haslam, Watanabe and Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman coming in just behind the Factory Yamaha lads, Alex Lowes, Michael van der Mark and Katsuyuki Nakasuga.

Rea, who won the Suzuka 8 Hours back in 2012 with Honda, will return to Japan alongside Haslam and Watanabe for the factory Kawasaki team – as it hunts for its first victory since Scott Russell and Aaron Slight guided the ZXR-7 to a win in 1993.

Rea said: “Suzuka is the biggest test for man and machine. It’s like an emotional roller coaster during the race and I am very excited to go back this season.”

Haslam said: “Suzuka is very challenging circuit and it really suits the characteristics of the bike itself. Being part of Team Green and riding the ZX-10RR is a dream come true.”

The 2018 Suzuka 8 Hours takes place across the weekend of July 28-29 – and in the next few months, we’ll keep the news coming about the iconic Japanese event.